#Throwback Thursday: The First Mother’s Day

But not everyone here at KMOX shares the heartfelt sentiments typically attributed to the holiday.

Take reporter Kevin Killeen, for instance.

“Mother’s Day is a commercial holiday started by the floral industry and greeting card companies,” Kevin told me. “Especially the idea that it’s incumbent on husbands to buy a Mother’s Day present for our wives. I tell my kids, ‘Hey, she’s not my mom. She’s yours.'”

Kevin and I often disagree and on this Throwback Thursday, I want to take him back to 1872.

circa 1855: American feminist, abolitionist and reformer Julia Ward Howe (1819 – 1910). She is best known fro writing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Original Artwork: Engraving after a drawing by Porter (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The National Women’s History Project says writer Julia Ward Howe first suggested a Mother’s Day. Her intent was to get mothers everywhere to rally for peace.

In 1908, Ann Jarvis wanted to honor her mother, a community health advocate, and began a nationwide campaign for a Mother’s Day.

It wasn’t until May 9, 1914, though, that President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday.

What I will admit to Kevin Killeen and husbands everywhere is this bit of trivia—Jarvis would later denounce the commercialization of Mother’s Day and spend the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar.

Jarvis didn’t succeed, which means your mom will still expect flowers, brunch, or at least a phone call or hug this Sunday.

Carol A. Daniel is first and foremost a mother and wife. She and her husband are the proud and exhausted parents of two sons, Patrick Daniel Jr., the computer whiz, and Marcus Isiah Daniel, the actor and comedian.
Carol began her career at the...